Indian Navy Hosts Seminar on Indigenous Shipbuilding Milestone with 100th Warship Delivery
The Indian Navy is set to host a significant shipbuilding seminar titled "Nation Building Through Shipbuilding" on Wednesday at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. This event marks the delivery of its 100th warship that has been designed indigenously.
The seminar, organised by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), which is the Navy’s premier design organisation, celebrates a crucial milestone in India's defence manufacturing journey. Operating under Naval Headquarters, the WDB has led the design of all 100 indigenous warships, underscoring India's commitment to achieving self-reliance in naval capabilities.
The milestone 100th ship, Yard 12652 (Udaygiri), belongs to the advanced Project 17A stealth frigate series and was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL). This delivery signifies a significant achievement in India’s indigenous warship design programme, which began in earnest with the establishment of the Central Design Office in 1964.
The seminar will convene stakeholders from various sectors, including the Government of India, Indian Navy, shipyards, defence industries, classification societies, and academia. They will engage in discussions on strategic policy issues, global shipbuilding technologies, and the challenges Indian shipyards face in meeting international standards.
The success of India's naval shipbuilding is considered pivotal for both national defence and economic advancement. A strong shipbuilding ecosystem not only bolsters maritime security but also fuels innovation, creates jobs, supports MSMEs, and establishes an industrial support chain that is vital for national development.
The Warship Design Bureau has been instrumental in this transformative journey. It has evolved from the Directorate of Naval Design in 1970 into today’s advanced bureau, which is responsible for designing over 20 classes of warships, ranging from patrol boats to aircraft carriers.
The seminar aims to forge a future path for indigenous warship design, thus strengthening India’s standing as an emerging maritime power.
